SEARCH FOR TRIPS

Uganda.
Ultimate Uganda Gorilla Adventure

Day 1: Arrival In Entebbe

Upon arrival into Entebbe you will be met at the airport and be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. If you arrive early in the day, a visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens is possible. Lake Victoria Hotel.

Day 2: Kibale Forest

Driving time: Approx 7.5 hours on mostly paved roads.

Morning drive westward to Kibale Forest. The route slowly ascends from the Lake Victoria basin into the lush rolling foothills of The Ruwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon). Pass through villages and farmland where every imaginable fruit and vegetable of the tropics can be seen growing. Birding is excellent with varying ecosystems including rain forest, agricultural land, papyrus swamps, scrub land, and the famous tea growing area around Fort Portal and Kyanjojo. Overnight Ndali Lodge.

Day 3: Kibale Forest

Spend a full day exploring on foot in the Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This morning is spent trekking for chimpanzees in the Kibale National Park. This afternoon visit the Bigodi Sanctuary, created in 1992 by a community environmental group as a way to effectively use natural resources. Hike on well-maintained footpaths with community guides. Wildlife in and around the park includes 138 species of birds and eight species of primates. Overnight at Ndali Lodge.

Days 4 - 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Scenic morning drive (approx. 3.5 hours) to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, situated in the western region of the Great Rift Valley. This park includes a remarkable variety of eco-systems from semi- deciduous tropical forests to green meadows, savannah, crater lakes and swamps. Within the park a vast array of wildlife can be found including elephant, buffalo, hippo, leopard and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha are just a few species you are likely to see. Along the shores of Lake Edward and the Kasinga Channel are over five hundred bird species, including the Shoe-bill stork, black bee-eater, eleven different species of kingfisher and several eagles and other raptors. Many of the crater lakes are home to spectacular flocks of flamingos. The Kasinga Channel runs through the Park, joining Lake Edward with Lake George and is home to thousands of shore birds, hippo and crocodiles. Two nights Mweya Lodge.

Day 6: Chambura Gorge & Ishasha

Delve deep into the Chambura Gorge this morning on a search for chimpanzees, which live in the gorge. After your trek, enjoy a scenic drive to the Ishasha region, still within QENP. This region is known for tree climbing lions, who nap in the branches of fig and other trees during the heat of the day. Other species include buffalo, elephants, kob, topi, and other antelope species. Enjoy an afternoon game drive and overnight at Ishasha Camp.

Days 7 - 9: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Enjoy a last morning game drive in Ishasha this morning before proceeding by vehicle to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas and designated as a World Heritage Site. Some of the gorilla families have been habituated to human presence, and it is possible to visit them in their natural habitat within the forest. Bwindi also contains many other primate species and offers interesting and more relaxing walks for visitors around the lower levels of the forest.

Prior to trekking, you will have an orientation at the park headquarters to become familiar with gorilla tracking ethics. It is very important that under no circumstances are the gorillas to be touched by humans. This is to protect the animals from communicable diseases to which they are very susceptible. Spend your days in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on two full day treks to view two different families of mountain gorillas. The search, with experienced trackers leading the way, can take up to eight hours although the gorillas are usually found after two to four hours. Some hiking areas lie at altitudes above 7,500 feet over rough and muddy terrain. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trek worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as the most profound natural history experience in the world. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. Cameras and plenty of fast speed film are recommended. It can rain at a few minutes notice, hence water proof clothing is a good idea, also zip lock bags for cameras and film. Return to camp for the evening meal and relaxation. Three nights accommodations at Gorilla Forest Camp.

This video was taken by guests at Gorilla Forest Camp. Because the camp is inside the borders of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest gorilla families occasionally visit the camp. This is a rare occurrence, but speaks to the very special location of this lodge.

Day 10: Departure

Morning departure to the Kihihi airstrip about an hour and 15 minutes away. Meet a scheduled small airplane flight for a 2 hour return flight to Entebbe where you’ll be met and transferred to the Lake Victoria Hotel. A dayroom is available to rest and clean up before an evening transfer to the airport for your departing flight.